The extremely popular Skye is the largest and most northerly island of the Inner Hebrides. It is connected by road bridge to the mainland, the mighty Skye Bridge.
Visitors flock here to enjoy the magnificent scenery of mountains and lochs, to visit the capital Portree and to take advantage of connections to the islands of Raasay, North Uist and Harris.
By ferry
Caladonian MacBrayne (CalMac) sailing from Mallaig to Armadale.
People wishing to get from Kyle of Lochalsh to Armadale for the ferry to Mallaig should change buses in Broadford, however, if you are travelling south from Portree the number 52 continues to Armadale so there's no need to change.
By coach
Citylink service 917 from Inverness to Portree - see our guide to the first part of this journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
Citylink service 915 from Glasgow to Portree and Uig
By train
From Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh on the Kyle Line. Change here to Citylink coach or Stagecoach bus for Skye.
From Glasgow or Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Line. Change here to Caledonian MacBrayne ferry for Skye.
Getting around by local bus
Stagecoach runs local bus services on Skye including the following key routes:
Service 55 between Kyle of Lochalsh and Broadford
Service 52 between Broadford, Sconser (for the Isle of Raasay ferry) and Portree
Services 57A and 57C between Portree and Uig
SAVING! Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass (for rail travel) includes travel with Stagecoach services in Skye.
The tiny village of Armadale is most visited for the Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles.
For those travelling from Mallaig, you can either make this a day trip returning to Mallaig on a later sailing, or travel across Skye to visit more of the Island.
There are up to three rail connected sailings between Mallaig and Armadale in each direction daily, and a choice of up to nine sailings for those staying in Mallaig. Departing Mallaig the ship turns to head into the Sound of Sleat with views down the Sound towards the Island of Rum.
Looking in the opposite direction the isolated village of Inverie comes into view in Loch Nevis with its impressive hills. On this crossing of only 30 minutes, Skye soon comes close into view along with the destination of Armadale.
The Sleat Peninsula which Armadale sits on is relatively low lying so the Cullin Mountains some 15 miles behind the village dominate the skyline.
It is possible to return via the scenic Kyle Line train from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness. Buses run from Armadale to Broadford, and from Broadford to Kyle of Lochalsh. See Stagecoach services 52 and 55.
ARMADALE CASTLE, GARDENS AND MUSEUM OF THE ISLES
Currently for sale, open for the 2025 season
Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles is actually two attractions in one. The site was taken over by the Clan Donald Lands Trust in 1971, who have restored this 40 acre woodland garden beside the Castle.
These beautiful gardens benefit from almost frost free conditions and have existed since the 17th century. There are also woodland walks and nature trails for those less interested in formal gardens.
These are all set within the grounds of the Castle, which although at first glimpse looks complete, is actually now a ruin without any interior.
The Museum of the Isles is housed in a purpose built building and despite its small size it has excellent displays as well as a library and archives. Also on the site is the Stable Block which now contains a gift shop and restaurant.
Portree Ferry Terminal
Leaving Mallaig behind
Skye visible on the left
Departing Kyle, buses head over the Skye bridge and onto the Island. The bridge was completed in 1995 and in doing so ended the ferry route from Kyle to Skye which is thought to have existed since 1600.
It is a large single span which is not unattractive to look at. Upon crossing many people are surprised at how high it is: this is simply to allow ships to pass underneath.
Buses make a brief stop in the village of Kyleakin before heading into Skye. This village is directly opposite Kyle of Lochalsh and from either you will see the ruins of Castle Maol at the end of the village. Now little more than the remains of a few walls, it dates from 1400.
Skye Bridge from Kyleakin
View from Kyleakin
The bus then travels along the rocky shoreline with the heather covered hills on the left of the bus and looking out to sea the tiny island of Pabay on the right. The hills rise up to the summit of Sgurr na Connich at 739 metres. Curving around the bay, the bus arrives into Broadford.
Broadford
Broadford is the largest village on the Island and stretches out along Broadford Bay. It lies on the foot of the Red Cullin Mountains with views across to Pabay Island and the Applecross mountains on the mainland in the distance.
The village provides local services, has hotels and cafés and a supermarket. Change buses here if you wish to head down to the ferry at Armadale for Mallaig. It is a nice place to stop for something to eat and enjoy the views.
Bus to Armadale. If changing buses at Broadford, the route south heads through the hills of south east Skye and crosses over to the shoreline, which the road follows all the way down to Armadale - see Stagecoach service 52.
The serious mountains all the way along this road are the Sleat Hills of Skye. This rugged and remote landscape is worth the journey to Armadale alone. Arrival in the hamlet of Armadale is at the ferry terminal.
Centre of Broadford
Mountain view from Broadford
View across Broadford Bay
View from Broadford
Departing Broadford the coach continues northwest through the woods and then along the coast following Loch na Cairidh, which is in fact a sea loch with the Isle of Scalpay on the opposite side.
The road then turns inland and travels along the edge and to the end of Loch Ainort. The hills surrounding the road at this point are some of the steepest and most spectacular in Scotland.
The road itself now has to cross these hills and a steep and twisting climb take the bus over the summit and through a valley before dropping down to the next loch, Loch Sligachan, and the tiny hamlet of Sconser.
The bus will let you off at the ferry terminal which in fact is little more than a waiting shelter. This is the departure point for the regular ferry to the island of Rassay.
Isle of Raasay visible in the distance
Mountain view between Luib and Sconser
Isle of Raasay
The ferry to Raasay is operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The journey time is 25 minutes and there are up to ten sailings in each direction daily (three on Sundays) so you won’t have to wait long from the coach arriving.
Raasay is a small Island, only 14 miles long by 3 wide at its widest point. The only village is located at the new ferry terminal on Churchton Bay. Raasay is an idyllic Scottish island with only around 160 inhabitants.
Perhaps when you reach a Scottish island, from another Scottish island you know that you have gone somewhere remote and special. It is the perfect location for walking. On arrival the ferry will come into the island’s only village where there are some local services.
It is even possible to stay on the island:
Reviews: 4.5 on Google, 4.3 on TripAdvisor
Isle of Raasay Distillery Whisky Hotel
Reviews including distillery: 4.8 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
The Isle of Raasay Distillery makes whisky and gin, and offers various tours which are timed to coincide with the ferry. Its hotel is the only distillery in Scotland where you can stay overnight in the same building as a working distillery.
Starting at the village there is a walk back down towards the former ferry terminal along an old railway line. Or the most popular walk leads through the woods at the back of the village and up to the summit of Dun Caan hill (443 metres), where there are also two small lochs.
If you plan to take a bike, the only small road on the island leads up to Loch Arnish, which is actually a bay, about 12 miles away near the north of the island. Although the road stops here, mountain bikers and walkers could continue right to the very top of the island.
For walkers who want to enjoy peace and tranquillity, Raasay is a very accessible and beautiful Scottish island.
Returning to Skye and the route north, on departure from Sconser the coach heads along the lochside. In Sligachan look out for the Collie-Mackenzie Monument to two pioneering mountaineers and the Old Bridge on your left.
The journey then ventures inland for the high road through the valley and hills to Portree. After a few miles the road passes between two mountains and passengers are given a wonderful view downhill to Loch Portree bay where the town of Portree is situated.
This sheltered and beautiful bay allows vegetation which is almost tropical in nature compared to the contrasting bleak hills the bus has just travelled through.
Collie-Mackenzie Monument Sligachan
Sligachan Old Bridge
Portree
This small, compact and attractive town is one of Skye’s most popular locations due to its setting in the hills, by the shoreline and, for its beautiful vegetation.
Many people choose to stay for a few nights here and enjoy day trips, walking, cycling or sitting down by the shore and enjoying the views and the food from local restaurants.
There is cycle hire available in town and boat trips are also offered from the harbour. At the south end of the village is a small woodland with walks leading to some secluded waterfalls. The Isle of Skye Distillers have a shop in Portree where you can taste their gin.
For those wishing to continue from Portree north, coaches continue from Kyle of Lochalsh through Portree direct to Uig without changing. The coach departs Portree and crosses the spectacular hills north of Portree to descend back down into the secluded bay at Uig which is the ferry terminal for ships to North Uist and Harris.
There are daily departures to both destinations from Uig and buses are timed to meet the ships’ timetables. See our Guide to the Outer Hebrides.
Quay Street and Portree Harbour
Looking out over Loch Portree
View from Portree Harbour
View from further round the bay
It is possible in two days touring to explore the entire northern half of Skye. There are two trips on most visitors’ itineraries from Portree.
Tour 1 - Portree to Dunvegan
Dunvegan and Dunvegan Castle and Gardens are probably the most famous locations on Skye. There is a regular bus service (no Sunday service) from Portree to Dunvegan village and the Castle - see Stagecoach service 56.
Separate stops are made for each location although it is easy to walk between them. Dunvegan is a pleasant village on a sea loch location in a sheltered bay. There are local services, places to eat and some walks around the village.
At the northern edge of the village lies Dunvegan Castle. For over 800 years it has been the home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod and as such is the oldest inhabited castle in Scotland.
Its position overlooking the sea Loch Dunvegan and surrounded by landscaped woodlands and gardens is stunning. In fact the gardens are as much an attraction as the Castle itself and you may enjoy the walled garden, water features, round garden and woodland areas.
Sitting in what is essentially barren moorland of northern Skye; these gardens laid out in the 18th century are like finding a hidden oasis in the desert. Due to the warmth of the Gulf Stream visitors are often amazed at the types of plants which thrive in these gardens.
The Castle itself is a fascinating complex of six buildings, five of which are open to the public. Boat trips to visit the seals are also offered as a supplement to visitors to either the Castle or Gardens.
Tour 2 – Portree to Flodigarry Circular
The Stagecoach service 57A makes circular journeys from Portree round the north of the island and then returning via Uig to Portree, allowing visitors to get on and off at attractions along the way. Ask your driver about the best ticket for touring.
On this journey the bus travels over the remote northern half of the Island passing the Storr cliffs, peculiar cliffs which reach up from the land rather than the sea on the left of the bus. The path to the Storr from the road is very steep and might not be suitable for everyone.
The Old Man of Storr is a single stack at the end of the cliffs and clearly visible from the road. Further along the road, just before Staffin village, is Kilt Rock. There is a short walk from there to the distinctive Kilt Rock cliffs which are just as impressive for their size as their strange ‘tartan’ appearance rock formation.
The bus then crosses the top of Skye and passes the remains of Duntulm Castle, which is now little more than some very small remains of its walls, although it is possible to imagine how easy to defend this cliff top castle would have once been.
The bus then makes its way down the west coast of Skye through Uig (where you can get off at the ferry terminal if you wish) and back to Portree.
Page last updated 14 October 2025